In January 1967, the presidents of 6 independent colleges of art having similar histories and objectives formed the Union of Independent Colleges of Art (UICA), a nonprofit corporation set up to address problems common to them and seek concerted solutions. The first step, a 5-day conference, brought together the 2 senior officers of each of the schools and consultants to study common problems of: Admissions, Foundation Programs, Professional Studies, Humanistic Studies, Teacher Education, Faculty and Administrators Exchange Programs, Graduate Programs, Central Shops, Libraries, Residence and Work Areas, Fund Raising and Development. Papers on each of the problem areas were prepared by each of the participating schools. Varying in detail and level of approach, some of the papers are almost wholly factual and others raise fundamental questions. They provide a basis for collective action by UICA in attacking problems of administration, facilities, curriculum organization, admissions and fund raising. Together, the papers give a comprehensive picture of the problems of design education and the questions of principal concern to educators in this field. Summaries of the discussions and specific proposals are included. (JS)